NICOLA Sturgeon has responded with cautious optimism to news that the UK Treasury will extend the furlough scheme to cover lockdowns in devolved nations.

After dodging questions on the furlough in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland all afternoon, the Prime Minister has now said the scheme will "continue to be available wherever it is needed".

Boris Johnson finally gave an answer to Douglas Ross, despite having been asked the same question by SNP, Labour, and LibDem representatives.

READ MORE: Boris Johnson signals furlough WILL be available if Scotland enters lockdown

In response to Johnson's statement, Sturgeon said the news was welcome, "if [it] bears out".

The First Minister added: "However @scotgov seeking urgent confirmation from Treasury that it will be exactly as we asked for - furlough beyond 2 December, non time-limited and on same basis as available through Nov, inc on eligibility and 80% wages paid"

Yesterday, Finance Secretary Kate Forbes warned that furlough money may be available only “for the duration of a lockdown in England". 

Speaking after talks with the Treasury, Forbes said she still had many questions unanswered. 

“Despite discussions today, UK Treasury continue to deny our request that full furlough at 80% be made available for businesses and employees in Scotland at any point we need it, suggesting that it is only available for the duration of a lockdown in England,” Forbes said.

“While clarity that it will be available to businesses whether open or closed is welcome, the lateness of the announcement means many businesses have already taken devastating decisions.”

She said the Government still did not know if it would receive Barnett consequentials “as a result of increased UK support for English local government” and “whether the unlimited payments for business support in England funded by Treasury borrowing will be made available on a similar demand-led basis to enable the Scottish Government to match that long term commitment”.

Today, the Treasury's position remains opaque. In an official statement, it said: “The UK-wide furlough scheme has been available in Scotland throughout the recent local restrictions. During this time furloughed employees will have received 80% of their wages, as they will do in November.

“Our extension of the furlough scheme until December is just one part of our £200bn support package, which has protected jobs and helped millions of people across the UK continue to provide for their families. 

“As we have throughout this crisis, we will continue to listen and respond to people’s concerns and work closely with the devolved administration in Scotland.”